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EST Read Time - 3:15

Right now, many people around the world are in a season of reset—whether through Ramadan, Lent, or simply reflecting as Q1 wraps up.

What’s the point of the pause?

It’s actually progress. In business, sports, and personal growth, the most valuable moments aren’t just when you’re charging ahead—they’re when you stop, assess, and recalibrate the game plan.

Every sports event has quarters, breaks, and sets because even the best players can’t perform nonstop. The best companies don’t run without retrospectives. And the best leaders don’t just push forward; they refine their path forward.

Now, recall when Simone Biles unexpectedly withdrew from the 2021 Olympics for her well-being at what seemed like the most inconvenient time (understatement). What we know now is that her pause wasn’t a setback—it was a turning point. She reflected, reconnected, and returned as the most decorated gymnast in history.

Now we’re at our own built-in pause, with structured checkpoints like Q1’s end. The question is: are we using them? If you thought, 'Wow, Q1 flew by,' consider this your reminder: you’ve got three quarters left. More than enough time to optimize for success and joy—however you define it.

As we wrap Q1, ask yourself:

1️⃣ What’s moving the needle in my work? Not just what’s keeping you busy, but what’s creating real impact?
2️⃣ What am I overlooking? Invisible work—mentorship, culture-building, volunteering -these activities can fuel long-term success but rarely get measured.

Here are a few tools to optimize your leadership, longevity, and life at the perfect time:

1. Get Wisdom, Give Wisdom - Social Fitness 

Reflection doesn’t need to be in a vacuum. We live longer when we connect with others, and often the best insights come from those around us.

Try This: Over the next month, schedule check-ins with three key people:

• Someone who knows you best: They see patterns in your behavior that you might miss.

• Someone you respect: Their perspective can offer valuable guidance.

• Someone you can give wisdom to: Teaching or mentoring forces clarity in your thinking.

Pro Tip: Try doing at least one of these conversations on a walk or walking call. 

2. Use AI to Offload Mental Load - Mental Fitness

AI can’t replace your unique brain power - but it can be a cognitive assistant.

Try These: Sample prompts to free up your mind for higher-level thinking:

• For Decision-Making: "I’m thinking through [insert challenge]. Break it down step by step. Highlight implications and suggest who I should consult next."

• For Editing: "Review this text for typos, grammar, and syntax only—don’t change my tone or vocabulary. Highlight any edits you make."

If you have a favorite prompt, reply back and let us know.

3. Audit Your Energy - Emotional Fitness

Try This: Pull up your calendar from the past month. Look week by week, and note:

• Three activities that left you feeling energized

• Three that drained you 

Look for patterns and drivers. The environment? The task itself? The people involved? Now, make adjustments. What small shifts can you make to spend less time on what drains you and more on what fuels you?

Pro tip: You can even throw your notes into ChatGPT to draw insights for you.

One Simple Thing: Clarity Walk -Physical Fitness

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Take a 10-minute Clarity Walk. Research shows that walking—especially outdoors—enhances cognitive function, reduces stress, and boosts creativity. Some of the greatest minds, from Steve Jobs to Aristotle, swore by it.

• When: Before work, after work, during lunch, or between meetings.

• How: Leave your phone behind—just you and your thoughts.

• What: Pick one question to reflect on. When you return, jot down any insights—big or small.

Simple, science-backed, and effective.

Pro Tip: 45 seconds left in this newsletter. Read the rest standing, walking, wallsitting, OR planking. Definitely let us know if you planked.

Dilagence on the Move 

Harvard Happiness & Leadership Lab: Given today’s topic, re-sharing this article I wrote featuring tangible ways for leaders to integrate movement, unstructured time, and fearlessness into their lives here. Happy International Day of Happiness.

Women In Retail Leadership Summit: I look forward to speaking at their event next month in Amelia Island, Florida. Let me know if you will be there!

Dose of Dilan

How I’m Practicing What I Preach:

Taking a very intentional Q1 pause in Rhinebeck at the end of next week.

What Was Worth a Binge: 

Paradise. The showrunners of This Is Us and Shondaland met and decided to blow my mind. I will personally advocate for Sterling K. Brown’s Emmy.  

What Helps Me Fall Asleep Faster: 

Over the years, I’ve had different sleep playlists, but this one wins. Partner this with sleeping at 65 degrees and blue light glasses, the Sandman is out of a job.

Thanks for reading, I’m glad you’re on the team. For regular doses of Dilagence, follow on LinkedIn and if you know someone else who can benefit from this newsletter, invite them to subscribe here.